Higher long-term bond yields driven by rising interest rates are lowering the cost of annuity purchases for defined benefit pension plans, says Mary Kate Archibald, a principal at Eckler Ltd. Since January, the cost of an annuity purchase has decreased by between 10 and 15 per cent, as long-term bond yields increased from 1.7 to […]
Changes to Quebec’s policy on the use of biosimilars in its public drug plan could result in savings for private benefits plans, says one expert. On April 13, 2022, the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec will delist certain biologic drugs from its formulary, requiring patients covered by the plan to switch to a biosimilar […]
While mental-health apps play an important role in employee benefits offerings, employers must remember apps are the gateway to treatment and not the treatment itself, says the co-author of a new study by the Workplace Safety & Prevention Services. “Don’t outsource your mental-health problems and think digital solutions alone are a panacea, just because it’s […]
Rio Tinto Group is making parental leave more accessible for employees by removing the distinction between primary and secondary caregivers. The policy change — which takes effect in Canada in June and will be implemented worldwide by the end of 2023 — provides all new parents with 18 weeks of 100 per cent paid parental […]
Molson Coors Beverage Co. is offering gender affirmation coverage to its Canadian employees as part of a wider effort to address and enhance diversity, equity and inclusion at the company. “We have a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and one of our key values is putting people first — this was just another step […]
The average 45-year-old Canadian employee earning $60,000 per year will need to accumulate $1.4 million in retirement savings by age 65 if they want to retire comfortably, according to a new report by Aon. It found since 2019, the average employee requires an additional $100,000 in private retirement savings, partly due to a one per […]
Lululemon Athletica Inc. is offering mental-health first-aid training to all employees, with a goal of training all of its workers by 2023. While the training isn’t mandatory, more than 300 employees have already completed the program, said Angela Wright, vice-president of health and wealth and organization planning at Lululemon, in an emailed statement to Benefits Canada. […]
Thomson Reuters Corp. is providing employees with additional flexibility and paid leave to further support well-being and work-life balance. The media company is allowing employees to work from anywhere within their country of residence for up to eight weeks. In addition, employees can now take up to 10 paid days of caregiver leave, while bereavement […]
The University Pension Plan is integrating diversity, equity and inclusion measures into its investment strategy. The pension plan sponsor’s responsible investing policy considers environmental, social and governance factors — including DEI — as essential to sound long-term investing, said Aaron Bennett, chief investment officer at the UPP, in an emailed statement to Benefits Canada. The approach […]
A new year is bringing back old issues for employers and employees alike. The rise of the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus variant meant many students once again switched to online schooling. And while some schools across Canada are now reopening, employers continue to use a combination of flexible schedules and benefits offerings to support working […]